Have you created social media goals?
Are you intimidated by the idea of managing it?
Social media is critical to achieving many business objectives within an organization. It can be overwhelming and intimidating to navigate all the different platforms that are available to companies. Posting alone is not going to convert the sale. Effective social media management can allow a company to build awareness, boost visibility, provide expert advice and build a loyal fan base. The decision to use social media to promote goods or services is one part of the business total marketing strategy.
Step 1 - Craft A Social Media Strategy
Create social media goals that are relevant to the business (marketing) objectives of the company. It’s imperative to build a social media strategy before
sharing posts. Setting goals should not
be an afterthought. Clearly define what you want to achieve. Through social media, companies can position themselves as the solution to potential clients' problems. Before you start, it's important to know the niche customer you are targeting. You can waste valuable resources posting on one platform like LinkedIn when the majority of your target customers are using Instagram.
Here are a few questions to consider:
Who is the niche client for the company?
What is the measure of success?
What is the organization wanting to accomplish?
What business objective does it tie back to?
What platform is most effective to reach the target audience?
What content should be posted? How often should you post?
What problem do we solve?
DPI is available to help small business owners craft an effective social media strategy. A company can measure success through social media analytics. In real time business owners can see the likes, views, clicks, comments, shares and reach on their social media platforms. It is important to TEST
your strategy. Setting business objectives is not one and done. It is a fluid process that ebbs and flows with the needs of the business. There will be many iterations to your strategy. Business objectives and goals provide clarity on the direction in which you are progressing.There are robust amounts of information on this topic. It can overload and confuse your options. DPI has a team of professionals to assist you.
With a strong strategy you can build your audience and increase the company visibility. Brainstorm specific goals with your team that can be measured for social media. A company can't determine the return on investment (ROI) if the goal is generic.
GENERIC GOAL: DPI will get new Facebook followers
SPECIFIC GOAL: DPI will grow to 5000 Facebook followers by end of 2nd quarter.
The second goal was specific, relevant and finished with a deadline. It will align with the business objective to grow brand awareness. This is a typical objective for startups and businesses within their first 3 years of operation. The goal will be measured through the analytics on the company's Facebook Business Page.
Step 2 - Choose A Platform
If you are new to social media, learn which option is best for you. Again, it depends on your target audience. For example, if you want to appeal to 40+ year old clients, Facebook might be the best option. Facebook has 2.3 billion users and holds 67% of the social media market share. On average, each Facebook user is on the platform 40+ minutes a day.
If you are appealing to a younger audience Tik Tok, SnapChat or Instagram are probably better options. Understanding the target audience is a necessary
first step. Each social media platform has its own unique culture and core audience.
If you are a solopreneur, consider posting on one platform at first. It is more effective to learn the ins and outs of one platform. Stretching yourself too thin or posting identical content on all platforms can lead to a disingenuous image for your brand. Your organization will need ample time to manage the process, test your ideas and build a community of loyal fans. The end goal is to have those loyal fans continue to make repeat purchases on your original spaces (ex: website, marketplace, storefront, etc).
DPI
is here to serve. Our professional team can narrow your focus, research your target audience and craft an annual social media strategy to align with the organization business objectives. Remember to first ask yourself, what do you want to achieve? Don’t miss the opportunity to also monetize your efforts on social media. We are here to help. Schedule an appointment today on our
website.